The History of Super Mario | A Comprehensive Explanation of All Series and Evolution from Birth to Present

Since its birth in 1981, for over 40 years, Super Mario has reigned as a beloved game character worldwide. With over 500 million copies sold, this series has transcended mere gaming and continues to influence the world as a pop culture icon. This article provides a thorough explanation of Mario's history from the appearance of Jumpman in Donkey Kong to the latest release in 2023, 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder,' covering the evolution of technology, character changes, musical innovations, and the thoughts of the developers, making it a complete guide to everything about the Mario series.

Table of Contents

• Birth of Super Mario (1981 - 1985)
• Golden Age of Famicom (1985 - 1990)
• Evolution to Super Famicom (1990 - 1996)
• The Revolution of 3D (1996 - 2002)
• The Revival and Diversification of 2D Mario (2006 - 2013)
• Memorable Works and User Participation Era (2010 - 2020)
• Latest Generation of Mario (2020 - Present)
• Evolution of Characters and Worldview
• History of Music and Sound
• The Developers' Thoughts
• Mario's Influence and Achievements

The Birth of Super Mario (1981-1985)

The story of Super Mario begins in 1981 with the arcade game 'Donkey Kong'. We unravel the history of how this character, initially called 'Jumpman', grew into the global icon 'Mario'.

The Appearance of Donkey Kong and Jumpman (1981)

In 1981, Nintendo developed the arcade game 'Donkey Kong' for the North American market. It was here that 'Jumpman', who would later become Mario, first appeared. This character, created by Shigeru Miyamoto, emerged from the technical constraints of arcade games at the time.

To represent the character with a limited number of pixels, designs featuring a red hat, blue overalls, and a distinctive mustache were adopted. The hat eliminated the need to depict hair, while the overalls made arm movements clearer. This simple yet striking visual later became an internationally recognized icon.

'Donkey Kong' became a massive hit in North America, bringing a fresh breeze to the arcade game market. Jumpman's jumping action was innovative, unlike anything seen in games at the time.

Gaining a Name in Mario Bros. (1983)

In 1983, Nintendo released the arcade game 'Mario Bros.'. In this game, Jumpman officially gained the name 'Mario'. There are various theories about the origin of the name, but the most popular one suggests it was named after Mario Segale, the landlord of Nintendo America’s warehouse.

'Mario Bros.' also marked the debut of Mario’s brother 'Luigi'. The setting of being plumbers was established in this work, and the game design set in underground pipes was adopted. The ability for two players to play simultaneously and cooperate to defeat enemies became the prototype for multiplayer gameplay in future Mario series games.

The Birth of Super Mario Bros. (1985)

On September 13, 1985, 'Super Mario Bros.' was released for the Family Computer. Completed in just six months of development, this game sparked a social phenomenon not just in Japan, but around the world.

Released as the perfected form of a side-scrolling action game, this title was highly praised for its intuitive controls, exquisite difficulty balance, and vast world setting. The diverse stage composition featuring above-ground, underground, and underwater levels, along with power-up items like Super Mushrooms and Fire Flowers, provided players with an experience that kept them engaged.

The simple story of rescuing Princess Peach who has been kidnapped by Bowser became the foundation for the subsequent Mario series. It rapidly gained popularity alongside the release of the Famicom, achieving an astonishing sales figure of 6.81 million copies in Japan alone, and a total of 40.24 million copies worldwide. It has become one of the most influential works in video game history.

[Related Article]: The Birth Story of Super Mario Brothers | A Thorough Explanation of the Famicom Boom in 1985 and Its Social Phenomenon

The Golden Age of Famicom (1985–1990)

Following the success of the original 'Super Mario Brothers', the Mario series during the Famicom era saw the release of several sequels, each with its own unique features, evolving as a series.

Super Mario Brothers 2 (1986)

Released on June 3, 1986, approximately 9 months after its predecessor, 'Super Mario Brothers 2' was developed as a high-difficulty game aimed at core gamers who had cleared the original. It was released exclusively for the Disk System and initially sold only in Japan.

The most distinctive feature of this game is its overwhelmingly high level of difficulty. Even players who cleared the previous game struggled with the complex stage structure, expertly placed enemy characters, and numerous traps where a momentary misjudgment could be fatal. The development team created it under the concept of offering a new challenge to users who had exhausted the previous game.

Elements not present in the previous game, such as complicated poison mushrooms and warp zones, were also added. While the graphics and game system are almost the same as the original, the clever level design created a completely different gaming experience, making it a textbook example of game design.

In Japan, it sold 2.65 million copies, but due to its high difficulty, a different game was released in North America as 'Super Mario Bros. 2'.

Super Mario Brothers 3 (1988)

Released on October 23, 1988, 'Super Mario Brothers 3' is considered a culmination of the Famicom era. It achieved an astonishing sales figure of 17.28 million copies worldwide, becoming the second best-selling Famicom game after the original.

The biggest innovation introduced in this game was the stage selection system via a map screen. Players could explore 8 worlds and choose multiple courses within each world. The fun of exploration was enhanced with hidden courses and Toad's houses.

The transformation system was also significantly expanded. Tail Mario could fly, Tanooki Mario could transform into a statue to evade enemies, Frog Mario could move quickly underwater, and Hammer Mario could throw hammers to attack, giving each transformation a clear role.

The number of stages increased dramatically, and it has been highly praised as a work that pushed the Famicom's hardware capabilities to their limits. Shigeru Miyamoto stated in a later interview, "We did everything we wanted to do on the Famicom," marking it as the definitive form of Famicom Mario.

【Related Articles】：The Innovations of Super Mario Bros. 3 | How Map Selection and Transformation Systems Changed Mario's Future

Super Mario USA and the Expansion of Spin-offs

In North America, it was determined that the high difficulty level of 'Super Mario Bros. 2' was not well received in the market, leading to the release of a different game as "Super Mario Bros. 2" in 1988. This was originally a different title called 'Doki Doki Panic', which was adapted to fit the Mario theme.

Later, in 1992, it was released in Japan as 'Super Mario USA', and its unique game system caught attention. Actions such as lifting and throwing characters, and pulling out vegetables offered a novelty that was absent in traditional Mario games. Additionally, the character selection system allowed players to choose from four characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad, which was also distinctive.

During this time, Mario began to branch out into spin-off titles. Dr. Mario (1990) became a huge hit as a falling-block puzzle game, showcasing Mario's diversity.

Evolution to Super Famicom (1990-1996)

In 1990, Nintendo released its new hardware, the "Super Famicom". The 16-bit processing power evolved the Mario world into something more colorful and expressive. During this era, a new partner character, "Yoshi", was added to the Mario series.

Super Mario World (1990)

Released on November 21, 1990, as a launch title for the Super Famicom, 'Super Mario World' is a masterpiece that fully leveraged the 16-bit capabilities. It sold over 20.61 million copies worldwide, setting the record for the highest sales of any Super Famicom software.

Making its debut in this game was the green dinosaur "Yoshi". Mario rides on Yoshi to embark on adventures, and Yoshi showcases a unique action of capturing and swallowing enemies with its tongue. Variants of Yoshi appear in different colors, each possessing distinct abilities, which added strategy to the gameplay.

A new transformation called Cape Feather Mario was also introduced, and the action of running and soaring high into the air was exhilarating. The game featured a massive level design with 96 exits, numerous hidden goals, and secret worlds, greatly enhancing the exploration elements.

Set in Dinosaur Land, the game further evolved the map screen, creating a world view where each area was organically connected. The beauty of the graphics, smooth scrolling, and rich colors, taking full advantage of the Super Famicom's capabilities, captivated players of that time.

【Related Articles】：The History of Yoshi's Appearance and Evolution | From Super Mario World to Independent Series

Yoshi's Island and Its Unique Path

Released on August 5, 1995, 'Super Mario Yoshi's Island' is a work that took a distinct path separate from traditional Mario series. In this game, Yoshi takes the lead role, embarking on an adventure with baby Mario on his back.

The most notable feature is the unique hand-drawn style of visuals. The warm graphics reminiscent of crayon drawings had an individuality that was unmatched by other games of the time. By incorporating the Super FX chip, special effects such as scaling and rotation were also realized.

The game system underwent significant changes. Yoshi attacks enemies by throwing eggs and moves through the air with a flutter jump. When baby Mario touches an enemy, he drifts through the air crying, creating a unique sense of tension where failure to rescue him within a time limit results in game over.

This game became the origin of the Yoshi series and served as a starting point for its later development as an independent series. It demonstrated a direction different from the main Mario series and symbolizes the diversity of the overall series.

The Revolution of 3D (1996-2002)

A major turning point for the Mario series arrived. Transitioning from 2D side-scrolling to 3D space. This challenge established the genre of 3D action games themselves, having immeasurable impacts on the entire gaming industry.

Super Mario 64 (1996)

Released on June 23, 1996, as a launch title for the NINTENDO64, 'Super Mario 64' is a revolutionary work that remains in gaming history. It sold 11.91 million copies worldwide, laying the foundation for 3D action games.

The most significant innovation of this title is its "sandbox exploration-type" game design, allowing free movement within a 3D space. Players explore various stages by jumping into paintings from the Peach Castle hub. Rather than a conventional "progress to the goal" format, there is a goal of collecting 120 Power Stars in each stage.

The 360-degree movement controls using the analog stick were groundbreaking for the time. Players could change their speed by how much they tilted the stick, allowing running, walking, and tiptoeing. Diverse actions such as triple jumps, long jumps, and backflips maximized expressive capabilities in 3D space.

The camera work was also innovative, with a system allowing players to freely change their viewpoint, influencing later 3D games in general. The development team faced the challenges of camera control in 3D games and, through trial and error, arrived at the current form.

Shigeru Miyamoto stated during development that he started with the simple vision of wanting to create a garden for Mario to run around in. Within technical constraints, the challenge was to design a 3D space where players could easily enjoy without getting lost. This challenge became the textbook for 3D action games.

【Related Articles】:Super Mario Sunshine (2002)

Released on July 19, 2002, for the GameCube, Super Mario Sunshine inherited the exploratory sandbox style of Mario 64 while showcasing its unique personality. It sold 6.3 million copies worldwide.

Set in the tropical resort town of "Delfino Plaza," Mario is tasked with cleaning the island as he is framed for a graffiti incident. The biggest feature of this work is the water-related actions using the "Pump" on his back.

The pump can spray water, allowing for hover jumps, turbo boosts for high-speed movement, and rocket-like ascents, using various modes. The game design centered around water, including defeating enemies with water, washing walls, and reaching high places, was innovative.

On the other hand, some stages impose a restriction of "no pump," testing pure action skills. This contrast adds depth to the game.

The bright and open atmosphere of the tropics, the beautiful sea and townscape, and the focus on water expression in the graphics fully showcased the GameCube's capabilities. This game, which demonstrated a different direction from Mario 64, is an ambitious work that further expanded the possibilities of 3D Mario.

The Revival and Diversification of 2D Mario (2006-2013)

During the era of the Nintendo DS and Wii, Mario exhibited new developments in both 2D and 3D. It was a time of diversity with the revival of nostalgic side-scrolling Mario and the evolution of innovative 3D Mario happening simultaneously.

New Super Mario Bros. (2006)

Released on May 25, 2006, for the Nintendo DS, New Super Mario Bros. is a proper sequel to 2D side-scrolling Mario for the first time in 14 years. It recorded an astonishing global sales figure of 30.92 million copies, proving that the demand for 2D Mario remains high.

This game was developed with the concept of reviving the essence of the original Mario's fun in a modern context. Simple controls, difficulty settings that anyone can enjoy, and numerous hidden elements were emphasized. New power-ups, including the size-increasing "Super Mushroom" and the size-decreasing "Mini Mushroom," introduced stage gimmicks that utilized size changes.

Utilizing the characteristics of handheld gaming, it struck a perfect balance of volume and difficulty that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. It became a "killer title" that drove DS sales and left a lasting impression of the revival of 2D Mario.

Super Mario Galaxy (2007)

Released on November 1, 2007, for the Wii, Super Mario Galaxy is an innovative game that opened a new frontier for 3D Mario. It sold 12.83 million copies worldwide and received high acclaim.

The biggest feature of this game is the "spherical stages" and "gravity system." Adventuring by jumping from small planets to planets, each planet has its own unique gravity. The sensation of walking on the surface of a sphere in 360 degrees and the changing concept of gravity that alters up, down, left, and right created an unprecedented gaming experience.

A grand world view set in space, action where you swing the Wii remote to launch star pieces, and magnificent music by an orchestra. All elements are combined with high completion quality, showcasing new possibilities for 3D Mario.

The sequel 'Super Mario Galaxy 2' was also released in 2010, received great acclaim as a work that further refined the system of its predecessor.

【Related Article】：In-Depth Explanation of the Gravity System in Super Mario Galaxy｜A New Gaming Experience Created by Spherical Stages

New Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009)

'New Super Mario Bros. Wii', released on December 3, 2009, is a 2D side-scrolling Mario that marked the return to home consoles after 18 years. It sold 30.33 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the top hits for Wii software.

The innovation of this title is its implementation of simultaneous play for up to four players. Mario, Luigi, and two Toads adventure together on screen at the same time. The joy of cooperating to clear stages, along with the chaos of sometimes hindering each other, created a unique gaming experience. The elements that can be enjoyed with family and friends contributed to its wide acceptance across demographics.

New power-ups such as Penguin Mario and Propeller Mario were also added, making it a work that evokes the evolution of 2D Mario.

Super Mario 3D Land (2011)

'Super Mario 3D Land', released for the Nintendo 3DS on November 3, 2011, brought a new approach to 3D Mario. It has sold 12.79 million copies worldwide.

This work is a 'course clear type' of 3D Mario rather than a 'sandbox exploration type'. It realizes a clear goal similar to 2D Mario in a 3D space, adjusted to a volume that is easy to play on a portable device. The stage design featuring depth, taking advantage of the 3DS's stereoscopic functionality, is also notable. The return of Tanooki Mario has been well-received as a work that blends nostalgia with novelty.

Memorable Works and User Participation Era (2010-2020)

The Mario series has released commemorative works every milestone year to express gratitude to fans. In 2015, an innovative title emerged where players could create their own courses. The way to enjoy Mario expanded from 'playing' to 'creating'.

25th Anniversary Commemorative Work (2010)

In 2010, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the release of Super Mario Bros., 'Super Mario Collection Special Pack' was released for the Wii. This is the Wii port of 'Super Mario Collection', released for Super Famicom in 1993, and includes four titles from the original to 'Super Mario USA'.

As a bonus, a booklet reflecting on Mario's history and a soundtrack CD were included, making it a valuable collector's item for fans. The opportunity to enjoy past masterpieces on modern hardware was welcomed by many users.

Super Mario Maker (2015)

Released on September 10, 2015, as a 30th anniversary work for Mario, 'Super Mario Maker' brought about a revolution in the series. It sold 4.06 million copies worldwide and is a groundbreaking work that introduced user-generated content (UGC) culture to Mario.

Players can create their own unique Mario stages and share them with users around the world. They can select from four game skins: the original, Mario 3, Mario World, and New Mario, and create courses with distinct graphics and physics engines. The arrangements of enemies, design of terrain, and combinations of gimmicks are limitless. The freedom to fully express creativity is its appeal.

Courses posted online exceed millions, with some users taking as long as 480 hours to fully develop a single course. A variety of works have emerged, ranging from ultra-challenging courses to artistic courses, and even auto-progressing courses with mechanisms. Mario Maker, which provided the joy of not just 'playing' but also 'creating', showcased a new form of gaming.

The sequel, 'Super Mario Maker 2', was released in 2019 on Nintendo Switch and added even more features and online functionalities.

[Related Article]:The History of Super Mario Maker | An Innovative Title that Pioneered the Era of User-Created Courses

Super Mario Odyssey (2017)

Released on October 27, 2017, for Nintendo Switch, 'Super Mario Odyssey' is the latest evolution in the sandbox exploration type of 3D Mario. It recorded astonishing global sales of 27.41 million copies, making it the biggest hit in the 3D Mario series.

The innovation in this title is the new action of throwing the hat character 'Cappy'. By throwing Cappy at enemies or objects, players can 'capture' that target to control it. There are over 50 types of capture targets, including Goombas, Koopa Troopas, giant dinosaurs, tanks, and electrical wires.

The grand adventure of traveling through countries around the world is also appealing. Players visit countries like New Donk City, modeled after New York, the desert country of Achiña, and the cooking country of Volbono, each with its own unique culture and atmosphere. In urban areas featuring realistic human characters, a new realm of Mario's worldview is opened up.

There are over 880 hidden 'Power Moons' in each country. The richness of collectible elements and the joy of exploration have been highly praised. Even after more than six years since its release, communities sharing new discoveries remain active.

[Related Article]:A Thorough Explanation of Super Mario Odyssey's Hat Action 'Capture' | An Innovative System to Control Enemies

Latest Generation of Mario (2020 - Present)

In the era of Nintendo Switch, Mario undergoes a new evolution. Works with new elements added to past ported games and a completely new 2D Mario, which is the first in 11 years, show the future of the series.

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury (2021)

This title, released on February 12, 2021, adds the Switch-exclusive new feature 'Bowser's Fury' to the 2013 Wii U version of 'Super Mario 3D World'. It sold 13.74 million copies worldwide, recording an extraordinary hit for a ported title.

The main game '3D World' is the culmination of course-clear type 3D Mario. Up to four players can play simultaneously, choosing from five characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, and Rosalina. The diverse transformations, including Cat Mario, and the clear, colorful stage designs are appealing.

The new feature 'Bowser's Fury' is a mode that allows for open-world exploration. Centered around battles with the giant Bowser 'Fury Bowser', players adventure freely through a vast map. The dynamic battles against the enormous Bowser while transformed into Giga Cat Mario are breathtaking. This mode, which possesses a different gameplay style from the main game, was noted as an experimental attempt that hints at the future direction of 3D Mario.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023)

'Super Mario Bros. Wonder', released on October 20, 2023, is a completely new 2D side-scrolling Mario, marking approximately 11 years since the last release. It sold 4.56 million copies in just two weeks, setting the record for the fastest sales in the 2D Mario series.

The biggest feature of this title is the 'Wonder Flower'. When players touch the Wonder Flower placed on each stage, a 'Wonder Effect' is activated, dramatically changing the stage. Pipes move like living creatures, enemy characters start singing in unison, and Mario transforms into a spiky ball, with unpredictable changes occurring one after another. There are surprises every time, making it an engaging experience.

A new power-up called 'Elephant Mario' has also appeared. He attacks enemies with his long trunk, inhales water to spray it out, and jumps high. The unique actions of an elephant are refreshing. Other unique transformations like 'Bubble Mario' and 'Drill Mario' have been added as well.

The development team rebuilt the game engine from scratch, placing emphasis on the movement and expressions of characters and the details of backgrounds. The way Mario's hair and clothes flow and his expressive animations significantly enhance the expressiveness of 2D Mario.

The badge system is also innovative. Actions change depending on the equipped badge, allowing players to customize their play styles. There are badges that lower the difficulty, ensuring enjoyment for a wide range of players.

[Related Articles]:A comprehensive explanation of the new elements in Super Mario Bros. Wonder｜A completely new 2D Mario after 11 years

The Evolution of Characters and Worldview

Over 40 years of history, the characters of the Mario series have grown beyond mere game characters into beings with personalities and stories. Here, we will look back at the evolution of the main characters.

Mario and Luigi

Mario and Luigi are twin plumber brothers. Since Luigi's first appearance in the 1983 game 'Mario Brothers', the two have gone on numerous adventures as a pair. Detailed information about the main characters throughout the series is comprehensively introduced in The Great Encyclopedia of Super Mario Characters｜Introducing the history of major and enemy characters along with their debut works.

Initially, Luigi was merely a color swap of Mario, but gradually he was given a distinct personality. He is tall and thin, has a jumping ability that is higher than Mario's but has slippery controls. Above all, his character as a slightly timid and shy yet kind-hearted brother was established.

In 2001's 'Luigi's Mansion', Luigi takes the lead role on his own. With a unique game system of sucking up ghosts with a vacuum cleaner, a new charm of Luigi was brought out. Since then, the Luigi's Mansion series has been established, becoming Luigi's defining work.

Mario is always depicted as cheerful and positive, bravely facing difficulties as a hero. On the other hand, Luigi is portrayed as the gentle younger brother who supports his older brother. This contrast adds depth to the characters of the two.

The Relationship Between Princess Peach and Bowser

Princess Peach is the princess of the Mushroom Kingdom and is the heroine that appears most frequently throughout the series. Bowser, on the other hand, is the arch-enemy who continues to kidnap Princess Peach. According to statistics, the probability of Princess Peach being kidnapped throughout the series reaches 87.5%.

The reasons why Bowser kidnaps Princess Peach have changed over the years. In early works, it was set that Bowser feared Peach's magic, but in later works, the interpretation that “Bowser has romantic feelings for Princess Peach” became mainstream. This established a somewhat endearing villain image of Bowser expressing his own form of love.

On the other hand, Princess Peach herself is not just a mere heroine. In 'Super Mario USA', she appears as a selectable character showcasing her ability to float in the air. In 'Super Mario 3D World', she also shines as a playable character. She has evolved from a mere abducted being into a heroine who fights back.

The Story of Princess Peach and Bowser｜The settings and history behind the repeating kidnapping dramas

Yoshi and Toad's Companions

Yoshi is a green dinosaur that first appeared in 1990's 'Super Mario World'.

With its adorable appearance and unique action of turning enemies into eggs, it quickly became a popular character.

The Yoshi series has developed independently, creating works with unique worldviews, such as 'Yoshi's Island,' 'Yoshi's Story,' and 'Yoshi's Woolly World.' Yoshi has established himself not only as Mario's partner but also as a standalone protagonist.

Toad is a resident of the Mushroom Kingdom and serves as Princess Peach's attendant. He has appeared since the first game, guiding players with the famous line, 'The princess is in another castle.' Since 'New Super Mario Bros. Wii,' he has also appeared as a playable character, characterized by his quick movements.

Additionally, a variety of characters such as Wario, Waluigi (the 'evil versions of Mario'), Princess Daisy, and Rosalina enrich the Mario world.

The History of Music and Sound

When discussing the Mario series, music is an indispensable element. In particular, the overworld BGM from the original 'Super Mario Bros.' has attained cultural significance as the most recognized video game music worldwide.

The Birth of Koji Kondo and the Overworld BGM

The music for Mario was composed by Koji Kondo. He joined Nintendo in 1984 and was entrusted with the music production for the original 'Super Mario Bros.' This was a significant challenge for the young composer, who was just 25 years old at the time.

The Famicom's sound chip was extremely limited, allowing for only three simultaneous sounds plus noise. Within these constraints, Kondo had to create an impressive melody. He went through trial and error to complete a simple yet catchy overworld BGM.

This melody, which begins with the lively rhythm of 'tatata, tatatatatan,' has an addictive quality that makes it unforgettable once heard. The upbeat rhythm tailored to the game's tempo and the bright, optimistic tune perfectly expressed the personality of the character Mario through music.

In later interviews, Kondo stated, 'Because of the limited sound resources, I poured everything into the melody and rhythm.' It can be seen as an excellent example of how constraints can foster creativity.

【Related Articles】:Koji Kondo and the Revolution of Mario Music | The Legendary Game Sound History Started with the Overworld BGM

The Evolution of Mario Music and Its Cultural Value

With the advancement of hardware, Mario's music became richer. During the Super Famicom era, the variety of sounds increased, and for the first time on NINTENDO64, orchestral-style music made its debut. In 'Super Mario Galaxy,' a real orchestra was employed to express the grandeur of a cosmic adventure through music.

Mario's music is recognized for its cultural value beyond the realm of games. In 2007, the overworld BGM from the original Mario was registered in the U.S. Library of Congress's 'National Recording Registry.' This was a groundbreaking achievement for video game music and a testament to Mario's music being recognized as cultural heritage.

Orchestral concerts featuring Mario music are held around the world, with Mario's themes being performed in classical concert halls.

The role that the Mario series has played in elevating the status of game music is immeasurable.

Koji Kondo is still active at Nintendo and is also responsible for music supervision of the latest title, 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder.' As a composer who has been walking alongside Mario for nearly 40 years, his achievements can be said to be the history of the series itself.

Developers' Thoughts

Behind the success of the Mario series lies the presence of passionate creators. In particular, the development philosophy of Shigeru Miyamoto, who is the creator of the series, has shaped the essence of Mario.

Shigeru Miyamoto's Development Philosophy

Shigeru Miyamoto joined Nintendo in 1977 and created the prototype of Mario in 'Donkey Kong.' For over 40 years, he has remained a central creator in the Mario series.

The core of Miyamoto's development philosophy is to "pursue the essence of play." Technology and graphics may change with the times, but the essence of fun remains the same. This simple belief has supported the Mario series.

In an interview, Miyamoto stated, "Mario should evolve with digital technology, but should never be driven by it." Even during the transition to 3D, the focus was not merely on making things look three-dimensional; they thoroughly considered the kinds of play that could only be realized in 3D space.

Furthermore, Miyamoto emphasizes that "anyone can enjoy it." Even those who are not accustomed to games can clear the first stage, while seasoned players face challenges through hidden elements. This multi-layered difficulty design has become a characteristic of the Mario series.

In the 2023 movie 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie,' Miyamoto himself was deeply involved as a producer. His desire to "correctly convey the world of Mario" has led to the film's great success.

[Related Article]: Shigeru Miyamoto and Mario's Development Philosophy | Insights from Nintendo's Genius Creator

Challenges and Innovations of the Development Team

The Mario series has been created by different development teams over the years. Each team has fought against hardware limitations while realizing innovative ideas.

During the development of 'Super Mario 64,' camera control in a 3D space was the greatest challenge. The development team completed a system in which players could freely change their viewpoint after much trial and error, establishing a new standard for 3D games.

In 'Super Mario Galaxy,' they designed a physics engine from scratch to realize the gravity system of spherical stages. The passion to overcome technical difficulties and create game experiences never seen before supports the development team.

The development team of the latest title, 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder,' completely rebuilt the game engine and implemented detailed expressions such as characters' hair and clothing flowing. The sense of mission to "create a new era for 2D Mario" drove the entire team forward.

The Influence and Achievements of Mario

With a history spanning over 40 years, the Super Mario series has transcended being just a popular game, having an immeasurable impact on the entire gaming industry and global pop culture.

Incredible Sales Records

The cumulative sales of the Super Mario series have reached over 500 million copies worldwide. This is a world-class record for a game series, illustrating Mario's universal popularity.

Looking by series, the original 'Super Mario Brothers' leads with 40.24 million copies sold, followed by 'New Super Mario Brothers' with 30.92 million copies, and 'New Super Mario Brothers Wii' with 30.33 million copies. In the 3D Mario category, 'Super Mario Odyssey' holds the record with 27.41 million copies sold.

Including spin-off series, the Mario Kart series has sold over 170 million copies, and the Mario Party series has also surpassed 60 million copies. The commercial value of the Mario character is one of Nintendo's greatest assets.

The success of each title is a result of the universal appeal that is loved across generations and an innovation that continuously seeks new challenges. The numbers are clear evidence that Mario is supported across generations.

【Related Article】: Super Mario Series Sales Ranking TOP 20 | An In-depth Analysis of the World's Best-Selling Mario Games

Guinness Records and Cultural Impact

Super Mario is featured in numerous Guinness World Records. It holds various records such as “The Best-Selling Video Game Series” and “The Most Recognized Video Game Character.”

Mario's influence extends beyond the gaming industry. In the 1990s, Mario was a character with recognition equal to or greater than Mickey Mouse for children. The silhouette of his red hat and mustache has become an instantly recognizable icon worldwide.

Establishing the genre of side-scrolling action games and laying the groundwork for 3D action games is one of the most important achievements in the history of games. Without Mario, the shape of the current gaming industry would have been significantly different.

In educational settings, Mario is also utilized. It is cited as a textbook example in game design and is used as teaching material for programming education.

【Related Article】: List of Game Titles in the Super Mario Series | An Overview of All Works from 1985 to 2025 in Chronological Order

Film Adaptation and New Developments

In April 2023, 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' was released worldwide simultaneously. Produced by Illumination Entertainment and with Shigeru Miyamoto from Nintendo serving as producer, this film recorded a massive hit globally.

The worldwide box office revenue surpassed 1.36 billion dollars (approximately 180 billion yen), making it one of the biggest hit films of 2023. This is also the second-highest record for an animated film in history. It has been highly praised for faithfully visualizing the world of Mario and meeting the expectations of fans.

Universal Studios Japan has opened "Super Nintendo World," a theme park area where visitors can experience the world of Mario. The Mario universe, which has jumped out of the game, has become a real experience for everyone to enjoy.

The merchandise development is also active, featuring Mario in all kinds of products, including figures, apparel, and daily necessities. Mario has transcended being merely a game character and has been established as a global entertainment brand.

Summary: The Charm and Future of Mario That Has Continued for 40 Years

Since its birth in 1981, Super Mario has continued to be loved around the world for over 40 years. What is the reason for its enduring support?

First and foremost is its simple and universal fun. Jumping to collect coins, defeating enemies, and aiming for the goal. This foundation has not changed since the first game. The intuitive understanding and enjoyment that anyone, regardless of age or nationality, can experience is Mario's strength.

Next is its flexible adaptability to technological evolution. Starting from the 8-bit of the Famicom, progressing to 3D, HD, and the latest Wonder Flower. While incorporating the latest technologies, Mario never lost its essential fun. Shigeru Miyamoto's philosophy that "we should evolve with technology" has supported the series. For detailed explanations on the differences between 2D and 3D Mario, see 【Related Articles】: A Thorough Comparison of the Differences Between 2D Mario and 3D Mario | Evolution of Game Design from Side-scrolling to Sandbox Exploration.

The universal appeal of its characters cannot be overlooked either. Mario's cheerful and brave personality, which is approachable to everyone, has been accepted by people around the world. Supporting characters like Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser each have their own personalities, adding depth to the story.

Furthermore, there is the attitude of continually taking on new challenges. From 2D to 3D, from sandbox exploration to course completion, and even to Mario Maker where users can create their own courses. Mario has consistently sought new gaming experiences without resting on past successes. This innovation keeps the series fresh.

The future for Mario shows even more expansion. The success of the film, the development of theme parks, and new releases on next-generation game consoles are on the horizon. Nintendo plans to announce a next-generation console in 2024, and expectations are high for Mario's evolution on the new hardware.

Shigeru Miyamoto has stated, "I hope Mario will be a character loved even 100 years from now." As proven by its 40 years of history, Mario is a beloved presence that transcends time. It will continue to bring smiles and surprises to players around the world.

The history of Super Mario is the history of the gaming industry itself. And that story continues on.